Three police cars with plain clothes officers and a van were seen at the Sunderland star's mansion in County Durham
England footballer Adam Johnson has been arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl of 15 - just weeks after becoming a dad for the first time.
Sunderland’s £10million winger Adam Johnson was held following a morning raid on the £1.5million mansion that he shares with girlfriend Stacey Flounders.
Their little girl Ayla Sofia is now just seven weeks old, and the couple received messages of congratulations on Facebook after the birth.
Three unmarked police cars and a van drove through the electric gates of their home in Castle Eden, near Hartlepool, Co Durham at around 9.15am when plain-clothed officers entered.
Sunderland’s £10million winger Adam Johnson was held following a morning raid on the £1.5million mansion that he shares with girlfriend Stacey Flounders.
Their little girl Ayla Sofia is now just seven weeks old, and the couple received messages of congratulations on Facebook after the birth.
Three unmarked police cars and a van drove through the electric gates of their home in Castle Eden, near Hartlepool, Co Durham at around 9.15am when plain-clothed officers entered.
Last night, Johnson was suspended by the Black Cats pending the outcome of the police investigation - which could rule the £60,000-a-week star out for the rest of the season.
Crime scene investigators also arrived at the player’s house.
A Durham Police spokesman said: “A 27-year-old man was arrested early today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16.
“He remains in police custody and is helping officers with their inquiries.”
The impressive property, in more than two acres of woodland, was bought by the star for £1.5 million in 2012. It has a long driveway to three garages, with a Porsche parked outside.
A neighbour said: “All the main activity was between 9.15am and 9.35am.
“Three undercover cars and a scenes of crime van arrived.
“You could tell they were police officers, they were all dressed in black. I haven’t seen him all day. I just assumed there had been a burglary.
“As far as I know he lives there with his girlfriend.”
Johnson is a popular figure at Sunderland, with officials shocked by the arrest.
A club source said: “He is quiet until you get to know him, but not afraid to speak his mind.
“It was thought everyone was fit and ready for the coming games, which are crucial for the club.
“It will be a big blow if he were to be ruled out for the rest of the season because of this.
“He is a match winner on his day.”
The Black Cats boss Gus Poyet conducted his usual round of media interviews this week suggesting the team had two games to pull out of the relegation zone.
Poyet substituted Johnson in the Premier League game against Burnley on January 31, and explained it was because the England international was feeling tired after becoming a dad.
Officers spent the day at Johnson’s house yesterday, and also appeared to be searching the triple garage at one point.
Johnson is a favourite at the Stadium of Light, and his arrest will stun the Black Cats’ loyal army of fans.
A Sunderland AFC spokesman said: “We can confirm that Adam Johnson has been suspended from the club, pending the outcome of the police inquiry.
“No further comment will be made at the present time.”
His parents, who live close to their son, declined to comment on his arrest last night.
Johnson, who was raised in Easington, County Durham, started playing for the Middlesbrough Youth Academy at the age of 12.
Johnson later joined Leeds United, before moving back to Middlesbrough.
In 2010, he was signed by Manchester City, and was in and out of then manager Roberto Mancini’s plans before Sunderland signed him in 2012 on a four-year contract worth £10 million.
Johnson was first named in the England squad in 2010 and he made his debut in a World Cup warm-up match against Mexico that year.
The winger has since won 12 caps, but did not travel to Brazil for the World Cup last year.
In December, he described himself as the most-hated man in Newcastle after scoring a 90-minute goal which gave Sunderland victory over their bitter derby rivals.